The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (IIM-S) is all set to introduce courses in law. Though the institute is yet to decide on the duration and the nature of the programme (one-year diploma/ two-year Master's), it will become the first IIM in the country to offer courses, both, in management and law. A lot of variables for the programme have already been finalized, but the institute is yet to take certain decisions with regard to the structure of the course.

Ashoke K Dutta, director, IIM-S, says, "There is a saying that 'justice delayed is justice denied.' We, as management professionals at IIM-S, want to help the Indian judicial system so that it is able to increase its levels of efficiency."

According to Dutta, in Germany, there are examples of two universities jointly offering courses in management and law. This was an inspiration to introduce a similar programme, which will be of use to judicial officers and managers in India. "We are in discussion with a judicial university, in collaboration with which we hope to finalize the programme soon," he informs.

Elaborating on the need for such a programme, Dutta says, "Before deciding to start the law courses at IIM Shillong, I had a word with several judges and the chief-justice. Following my discussions, we realized that while on the one hand courts require lots of court officers who are trained professionals, on the other hand, many judicial employees who work with the corporate sector need to be aware of management ethics too. With our new programme in the offing, both managers as well as judicial officers will benefit."

Pointing out the opportunities that are going to open up after completion of the course, Dutta says, "The training will increase the job potential of candidates. Also, this course will address an important social issue. Finally, I personally feel that with IIM-S setting a precedent by introducing law courses, more institutes will come forward to explore such collaborations in the near future, thus offering a range of useful programmes to students."